How much oil, cream, lotion and serum to apply for a perfect skincare routine
When it comes to building a proper skincare routine, one of the most talked about steps is the correct layering of products – applying the lightest creams first and the densest last as a general rule.
Another important consideration in skincare that isn’t talked about as much, however, is the amount of each product to use.
Applying the wrong amount of a skincare product can result in issues such as irritation, inflammation, redness, unwanted pilling, residue on the skin, or insufficient protection. So it pays to learn exactly how much of each formula is needed to do its job correctly.
There are two crucial factors that determine how much of a product to apply. The first is its texture – for example, a drop of facial oil can be spread over an extensive area, but a drop of moisturiser will most likely only cover your chin. The second factor is the concentration of active ingredients in the formula.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr Marisa Garshick explains that one of the first signs you are using too much of a product is a sudden episode of dry, irritated, flaky skin or the product not absorbing correctly.
“You’ll know you’re using too much when the product moves around the skin and doesn’t actually sink in,” she says. So how much of each product do you need to apply? Here’s what experts recommend.
Cleanser
A cleanser ’s consistency will determine how much of it you need to apply. As a general rule, you should use a hazelnut-sized amount – this primarily applies to gel, lotion and cream cleansers.
If your formula comes out of a pump as foam, aim for a ping-pong-ball-sized helping. Keep in mind this will only be enough for your face, so if you’re also cleansing your neck, double the amount. Read More…
